Bearkat Athletics Mission
Sam Houston State University is com- mitted to the concept that intercollegiate athletics is an integral part of the univer- sity’s educational enterprise. The department of athletics recognizes that the athletics program must be sup- portive of the university’s mission, which is to inspire learning through excellence in teaching, to stimulate creativity, to conduct scholarly research and to direct signifi cant institutional resources to the community it serves. In keeping with these directives, the department of athletics understands that its primary mission is to develop student- athletes as complete individuals and educated citizens who are fully prepared to contribute positively to society. The department of athletics recog- nizes that it receives direction from the President of the university in the admin- The Southland Conference men’s basketball “Student-Athlete of the Year” the past three seasons has istration of the athletic program. The been a Bearkat with Ryan Bright (left) winning in 2007 and 2008 and Barkley Falkner in 2009. department of athletics will provide and support cultural diversity and provide for equitable opportunities for minorities BEARKAT ATHLETICS BY THE NUMBERS and women. The department of athletics measures success in its ability to establish Sam Houston State accomplishments as a member of programs that support the mission of Sam the NCAA Division I Southland Conference: Houston State University. 7 Southland Conference post-season tournament Strategic Goals “Most Valuable Players” The Department of Athletics will 8 Southland individual sport “Student Athletes of the Year” provide the best possible entertainment 9 Southland Conference post-season tournament and image for our students, faculty, staff , championships alumni and community by competing 14 NCAA Division I tournament appearances on the Division I level through winning 22 Southland Conference regular athletic teams. season team championships The Department of Athletics will pro- 32 Southland Conference vide an environment for student-athletes “Players of the Year” necessary to enhance graduation through 44 NCAA Division I All-Americans classroom learning experiences that are 610 All-Southland Conference selections in 16 sports conducive to a life skills learning experi- ence on campus and in the community. The Department of Athletics will pro- vide an environment for all staff neces- sary to attract, develop and retain quality personnel. The Department of Athletics will provide an environment for our alumni, community and friends of the university that encourages active participation in the department programs and develop- ment activities.
Irina Sotnikova earned both Southland Conference women’s tennis “Player of the Year” honors and “Student-Athlete of the Year” honors during the 2009 season.
34 www.gobearkats.com Sports excitement at Sam Houston State
Sam Houston State University competes at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports as a member of the Southland Conference, bringing the fun and excitement of intercol- legiate athletes to the Huntsville campus. Men’s intercollegiate sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track & fi eld, and outdoor track & fi eld. Women’s sports are basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track & fi eld, outdoor track & fi eld, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. In the fall of 2010, Sam Houston will begin competition in women’s bowling, increasing the number of intercollegiate sports to 17. Three of the past fi ve years, the SHSU athletic program as ranked as the best in the Southland Conference, winning the SLC Commissioner’s Cup all-sports trophy. Since moving up to the NCAA Division I level in 1986, Sam Houston has participated in the national playoff s 14 times including consecutive appearances in the last three Sam Houston State has placed more in- Eight times in the past four years, NCAA Division I baseball tournaments. dividuals on the Southland Commissioner’s Bearkats have been recognized as the out- The Bearkats have won 22 Southland Honor Roll (student-athletes with an overall standing student-athlete in their individual Conference team championships with 10 grade point average of 3.0 or better) than sports. Winners of the SLC “Student-Athlete of those SLC trophies earned in the past any other league member during the past of the Year” honors have been Ryan Bright six years. In addition, SHSU has won eight fi ve sports seasons. For the last six consecu- (2007 and 2008 men’s basketball), Stephen Southland post-season tournament titles. tive semesters, SHSU student-athletes have Prihoda (2007 baseball), Lata Assudani While competing at a high level on the combined to produce a department grade (2007 women’s tennis), Jennie Sewell (2007 playing fi eld, the Bearkats also have proven point average (GPA) of 2.90 or above, a women’s track and fi eld), Jennifer Heinz themselves tops in the Southland Confer- mark higher than the GPA of the university’s (2008 women’s golf), Barkley Falkner (2009 ence in the classroom. overall student population. men’s basketball) and Irina Sotnikova (2009 women’s tennis). Sam Houston State University annually draws regional and national media atten- tion through televised athletic contests. Bearkat football and basketball games have been featured in nationally televised games on ESPN2 and CBS. Each year, SHSU games are telecast on the Southland Conference TV network. The university boasts one of the fi nest athletic complexes in the Southwestern that serve as the site of both regular season competition and post-season tournament action. Home athletic events are held at Bow- ers Stadium (football), Johnson Coliseum (basketball and volleyball), Don Sanders Stadium (baseball), softball (Bearkat Softball Complex), tennis (McAdams Tennis Center), track and fi eld (York Track Center) and soc- cer (Pritchett Field). News, schedules, ticket information and opportunities to watch live video of Bearkat sports events are available on the SHSU athletic web site at www.gobearkats.com.
www.gobearkats.com 35 Bobby Williams Director of Athletics
When Bobby Williams became the Center, Don Sanders Stadium (baseball), Bearkat Softball Stadium Bearkats’ director of athletics on and the SHSU golf practice facility at Raven’s Nest Golf Course. With April 29, 1998, he set a goal for the new marketing strategies, Williams and his staff have increased both program - to win the Southland campus and community attendance at all Bearkat intercollegiate ath- Conference Commissioner’s Cup letics events and increased revenue generated from outside univer- symbolic of the league’s all-sports sity sources from $600,000 to $2.4 million. championship for both men’s and Under his direction, the Bearkat Learning Enhancement Center, women’s sports combined. Sam located in the Bowers Stadium Field House, opened in the fall of 1997. Houston has won the Commis- The facility allows Bearkat student-athletes access both to modern sioner’s Cup not once but three computers and to assistance from academic tutors. During his seven times (2005, 2006 and 2007). No years as assistant athletic director, Williams’ duties included NCAA other Southland university has won the Cup three years in a row. compliance, game management for home athletic contests, schedul- Williams, who had served Sam Houston as an athletic administrator ing, facilities, tickets, marketing and concessions. As an assistant foot- and a coach since 1982, was interim director of athletics for the 1997- ball coach, he tutored fi ve cornerbacks who played in the National 98 school year. He was assistant director of athletics for seven years Football League. and an assistant football coach for nine years. “Becoming a director of athletics was a lifetime goal. I have always In May, 2005, Williams received the General Robert R. Neyland been a goal oriented person,” said Williams. “As a secondary coach, Outstanding Athletic Director Award at the All-American Football we set and met important goals on teams that ranked among the na- Foundation’s 70th annual Banquet of Champions. In June, 2008, he tion’s defensive leaders. As an administrator, we set goals such as rais- was presented the AstroTurf Athletics Director of the Year “Football ing our department grade point averages, which we accomplished. Championship Subdivision West Region” award. Williams now serves “As director of athletics, we have set goals. We have strived to bring as a member of the NCAA Leadership Council. this department to the forefront in computer technology, to improve During his 12 years as athletic director, Sam Houston has achieved our athletes’ academic standing and retention rates and to increase unprecedented successes at the NCAA Division I level, including: our revenue through fund raising and monies generated from bigger Three Southland Commissioner’s Cups and two SLC Men’s All- crowds at games. Sports Trophies (2000 and 2007) “Three of the past four years, we achieved our most important goal Highest NCAA Division I football championship subdivision fi nal -- winning the Southland Commissioner’s Cup All-Sports Trophy. Not national ranking (4th in 2004) only does this achievement prove that each of our sports teams is Highest NCAA Division I men’s basketball RPI fi nal ranking (2003) vital to our program, but also it demonstrates the importance and First votes in Associated Press NCAA Division I men’s basketball contributions of every student athlete. Our staff ’s eff orts will continue national poll (2008) to be directed toward higher goals as we strive to make the Sam Two NCAA Division I football playoff appearances, reaching quar- Houston experience the best it can be for our students.” terfi nals in 2001 and semifi nals in 2004 Williams played wide receiver at Northbrook High School in Hous- NCAA Division I national playoff berths in men’s basketball ton. He was a starter at wide receiver for the Rice Owls. He earned his (2003), softball (2007) and baseball (2007, 2008 and 2009). Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University in 1981 and his Master 13 Southland Conference team championships including football of Arts from Rice a year later. His father, Bobby Williams, Sr., was a (2001, 2004) men’s basketball (2000, 2003), women’s golf (2004, 2007), member of Rice University’s 1958 Cotton Bowl team and retired in men’s outdoor track and fi eld (2005, 2006), women’s outdoor track 2002 after working and fi eld (2005, 2006, 2008) and women’s indoor track and fi eld (2007 as an NFL scout for and 2008) the Buff alo Bills and Southland Conference post-season tournament titles in men’s Miami Dolphins. His basketball (2003), baseball (2007 and 2008) and softball (2007). mother, Carolyn, re- First two ESPN2 football national telecasts, fi rst men’s basketball cently retired from CBS national telecast and three ESPN2 national basketball telecasts the Dow Chemical Nine Fox Sports Southwest regional football telecasts and six Company. Southland TV network football and basketball games His wife, Janet, Highest athletic grade point average in department history received her Highest Southland Conference fi nishes in men’s and women’s Bachelor’s degree track and fi eld, men’s and women’s cross country and tennis and her Master’s Hosted successful Southland Conference championship events degree from Sam in women’s tennis, cross country, softball, baseball and outdoor track Houston State. She and fi eld as well as the fi nals of the Southland Conference men’s is a professor in the basketball tournament SHSU College of Guided the department through two successful NCAA peer Education. The pair review team evaluations have two daughters, Added women’s soccer and bowling as the university’s 16th and Audrey Kathryn 17th varsity sports (20) and Alexandra Williams has overseen more than 9 million dollars of facility im- Karolyn (16). provements including the new Ron Randleman Strength and Fitness Bobby and Janet Williams and their daughters, Audrey and Alex.
32 www.gobearkats.com Quality Athletic Staff
BOBBIE HILLIARD CHRIS THOMPSON GREG HINZE DAVID PAITSON CURTIS COLLIER PAUL RIDINGS Associate Associate Associate Associate Compliance Assistant Athletic Director Athletic Director Athletic Director Athletic Director Athletic Director for Finance for Student Services for Operations for External Operations for Media Relations
JASON BARFIELD JOHN HOLDER HOPE PARKER JEREMY EDDINGS WESLEY NOWLIN JESSICA PAYNE Athletic Media Administrative Head Assistant Assistant Academics Services Coordinator Coordinator Athletic Trainer Athletic Trainer Athletic Trainer
KYLE SPEER BRIAN NEAL RHONDA CURRY TERRY ARTHERHOLT MEREDITH MULLINAX DENISE HOLCOMB Head Strength Assistant Strength Staff Assistant Staff Assistant Staff Associate Offi cer Supervisor & Conditioning & Conditioning Events Tickets Marketing
JENNIFER DAVIS CHRISTINE SUMMERS JUDY WEBB KAREN WHITE JAKE WATSON JAMES ROSS Athletic Secretary Athletic Secretary Athletic Secretary Athletic Secretary Athletic Equipment Custodian
www.gobearkats.com 33 Winning Championships
Sam Houston won the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup, symbolic of the league’s combined men’s and women’s all sports title, in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and the Southland Men’s All-Sports Cup in 2000 and 2007.
SLC COMMISSIONER’S CUP Winners 2005, 2006, 2007
SLC MEN’S ALL-SPORTS CUP Winners 2000, 2007
NCAA NATIONAL PLAYOFFS Football 1986, 1991, 2001, 2004 Baseball 1987, 1989, 1996, 2007, 2008, 2009 Men’s Basketball 1986, 2003 Volleyball 1984, 1985, 1993, 1996 Softball 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 2007
SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE TITLES Baseball 1989 Men’s Basketball 2000, 2003 Football 1991, 2001, 2004 Men’s Golf 1990, 1994 Women’s Golf 2004, 2007 Softball 1988, 1990, 1993 Men’s Outdoor Track 2005, 2006 Women’s Outdoor Track 2005, 2006, 2008 Women’s Indoor Track 2007, 2008 Volleyball 1993, 1994
SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS Men’s Basketball 2003 Volleyball 1996 Baseball 1996, 2007, 2008, 2009 Sam Houston State Softball 1988, 2007 has won 11 Southland Conference team championships in the OTHER MAJOR NATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS past six seasons. Softball National Invitational Champions 1996 Softball NCAA Division II National Champions 1982 Softball NAIA National Champions 1981 Men’s Golf NAIA National Champions 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 Football NAIA National Co-Champions 1964 Baseball NAIA National Champions 1963 Football Post Season Bowls 1952, 1953, 1955, 1958 Men’s Basketball NIT Season Tip-off quarterfi nalist 2005
34 www.gobearkats.com What is a Bearkat?
Sam Houston State’s athletic teams have been nicknamed “The Bearkats” since 1923 when the university’s name was changed by the Texas state legislature from Sam Houston Normal Institute to Sam Houston State Teach- ers College. Prior to 1923, the varsity sports teams were nicknamed “The Normals.” Early references to “Bearkats” spelled the name either “Bearcats,” “Bear Cats,” or “Bearkats.” A bearcat is said by some to be a kinkajou, a small, golden, carnivorous mammal that resides in the jungles of South America. It is doubtful those who coined the “Bearkat” nickname had either a kinkajou or a binturong in mind, however. More likely, the name came from a popular local saying of the time, “tough as a Bearkat!” Since the animal in the saying was thought more mythical than real, the spelling settled upon was “Bear- kat.” In the late 1940s, then SHSU President Harmon Lowman attempted to change the Sam Houston mascot from Bearkats to “Ravens” (after General Sam Houston’s Cherokee nickname). Mrs. Vernon Schuder reported that the alumni were polled, she voted for the raven but that “all those old Bearkats beat us out!” The current Sammy Bearkat mascot character began appearing at Sam Houston State sports events in 1959.
Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Paul Culp of the Sam Houston State Univer- sity Library whose research made this article possible.
From Sammy Bearkat to the Kat Krazies, the “Couch Potatoes” to Homecoming, campus traditions abound at Sam Houston State University.
www.gobearkats.com 35 One Great College Town
Sam Houston State and the city of Huntsville give student- athletes the best of both worlds. Huntsville off ers a commu- nity atmosphere that retains its small town friendliness while off ering intellectual and cultural stimulation with the Univer- sity’s proximity to a large metropolitan area.The community is an ideal college town with a population of 34,592 just 68 miles north of Houston and 171 miles south of Dallas. Huntsville is one of the oldest communities in Texas. The city was founded in 1835 by Pleasant Gray and grew quickly with prominent settlers moving here from Alabama, Tennes- see and Virginia. From its inception, Huntsville was considered to be a center of education and law. It was the home of many military leaders during the years of the Republic of Texas. The city features such historical attractions as Austin Hall (the oldest functioning educational building in Texas); the home and burial place of Texas history legend, Sam Houston; and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum.
Huntsville, Texas, off ers students a small town community atmosphere with the excitement of Houston one hour’s drive to the south.
David Addick’s 67 feet high Sam Houston statue on Interstate 45 is the tallest statue of an American hero in the world
36 www.gobearkats.com Character Counts: We Care Bearkats involved in the Huntsville Community
Bearkat student-athletes make an impact on the Hunts- ville community through programs organized by the Sam Houston State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. So successful have been the committee’s activities that other universities in the Southland Conference have used the group as a model for their own campus. Activities on the committee’s annual calendar include the NCAA Champs/Life Skills program; the annual homecoming parade; a mentor program with the Huntsville Independent School District (HISD); sports festivals at HISD elementary campuses; canned food drive benefi ting The Good Shepherd Mission; Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter fundraiser; pop tab drive for M. D. Anderson Cancer Center / Ronald McDonald House; and Student Life Awareness Programs (alcohol, nutrition, time and stress management, diversity). Each academic year ends with the annual All-Sports Awards Banquet sponsored, planned and hosted by the com- mittee. The leadership role played on campus by Sam Houston student-athletes has been recognized nationally by the Na- tional Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Bearkat athletes have served on major NCAA committees including the NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference held each June at Disney World in Orlando, FL.
Community service activities of Sam Houston student-athletes have included “Jump Rope for Heart,” mentor programs with area schools, collecting school supplies for low income families and fund-raisers for the Huntsville Safe House, Good Shepherd Mission and the Ronald McDonald House of Houston.
www.gobearkats.com 37 Unparalled Student Services
Sam Houston State athletics student services off ers Bearkat student-athletes an outstanding academic support system. The staff ’s goal is to help each student-athlete success in the classroom, in his or her sport and in overall life experiences at Sam Hous- ton and beyond. The student services staff works with each student-athlete individually. Among the many resources off ered student-athletes are tutoring sessions; supervised studey halls; assistance in selecting majors, degree plans and courses; mandatory academic advisement (class scheduling) and use of the Sam Houston State Athletics Learning Enhancement Center (LEC). Located in the Ron Mafrige Fieldhouse, the LEC features study and work areas, 24 cmoputers, printed and hosts the tutorial program strictly for student-athlete use. Also in the LEC is the Enterprise Career Center which off ers career advice on resume writing, interviewing skills and assistance for the job market. The NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program provides a mandatory class for incoming freshmen student-athletes to enhance their opportunities for success at Sam Houston. Additionally, the university off ers the SAM Center which provides academic advising, study skills sessions, graduate school semi- The Enterprise Car Rental Corporation off ers seminars each semester with hands-on advice for Sam Houston State student-athletes to prepare them for the job market. nars and additional academic support.
The Sam Houston student-athlete academic planner is utilized by all Bearkats varsity sports participants to help them organize their time and explain support programs, policies, resources, study and test-taking tips Associate Athletic Director for Student Services Chris Thompson (left) and skills. and the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee offi cers lead a nationally- recognized student services program.
38 www.gobearkats.com Academic Success
While winning three Southland Confer- ence Commissioner’s Cups (symbolic of the SLC’s All-Sports championship) and 10 SLC championship trophies in the past fi ve years, Sam Houston athletes also have led the The Learning Enhancement Center league in performance in the classroom. was established in memory of Sam Houston has placed more student- Dr. Billy Tidwell, coach, athletic athletes on the SLC Commissioner’s Academ- director and professor at Sam Houston from 1956 to 1979. ic Honor Roll than any of the 12 universities in the league during the past fi ve years. To earn a spot on the honor roll, a student-ath- lete must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA. Five Southland Conference Commissioner’s of the last six semesters, Bearkat student-ath- Academic Holl Roll Bearkats letes have produced a grade point average higher than 2.90. That includes a record high Athletes who maintained a 3.00 grade point average or higher during their sport’s season GPA of 2.94 during the 2008 fall semester. These GPAs are marks better than the univer- BASEBALL WOMEN’S GOLF SOFTBALL MEN’S sity’s general student population. Guilluame Duguay** Amanda Carmona** Amy Brown** TRACK & FIELD Sam Houston student-athletes have John Kiger Wendy Joyner** Lauren Burns Clint Anders Tyler Knight posted overall GPAs of 2.30 or higher for 34 Ellie McKinley Brandi Crnkovic* Leon Banks Ryan Mooney* consecutive semesters. Callie Rice Tomi Garrison Cutter Bernhard Daniel Nottebart Sarah St.John Krystal Gay Michael Courtney “We are extremely proud of our athletes’ Brent Powers** Landa Stewart Amanda Lindsey Chris Cralle* achievements in the classroom and com- Heath Pugh** Ashley Nelson Joey D’ Eramo mend our coaching staff for the tremendous Will Skelton FOOTBALL Ashley Newberry Lane Dennis Cody Springer** job they do in recruiting quality student-ath- James Aston Sarah Parich** Scottie Jones Ryan Tepera letes,” Williams said. “The No. 1 goal for each Travis Best** CourtneySchoen- Henry Jordan Jordan Westra Jordan Bowersox* emann Dustin Joubert* of our sports teams is to have our athletes Brandon Yates Nolan Bucek* Kendra Spivey* Travis Kocurek earn their Sam Houston State degrees. We Nick Zaleski J. T. Cleveland Alex Survant Patrick Krol are proud that 90 percent of student athletes Kash David Whitney Wilson** Chris Nelson* MEN’S BASKETBALL who complete their eligibility at Sam Hous- John Dirk Calli Wood Taylor Ray Preston Brown ton earn their degree.” R. C. Fairchild** Tiff ani Woodrum Jon Tipton Josten Crow* Stanley Garrett Blake Woolums Barkley Falkner*# Coty Gatewood SOCCER Domas Kvedys Jonathan Goree** Rheannon Bullock** WOMEN’S Lance Pevehouse Will Henry Debbie Campbell** TRACK & FIELD Arthur Zulu Justin Humphrey Kayla Elwood Sara Collazos Bearkat Grade Point Averages Darnell Jones Brittany Foerstner** Bridget Costello* WOMEN’S BASKETBALL For The Past 34 Semesters Colby Lange Nereyda Garcia Morgan Davis Leasa Ailshie** Jason Madkins Laera Gattoni Jessica Fisher** Brittany Brooks* Derrick Raymer** Ariana Jaff Kristen Gallow 1992-93 Fall 2.53 Spring 2.41 Candace Brown Justin Rock Deanna Long Jordan Heggie Lydia Gonzales** 1993-94 Fall 2.30 Spring 2.57 Hunter Schmidt April Lozano** Brittany Henson** Therese Hager Billy Skinner Monica Madden** Kristi Hermes* 1994-95 Fall 2.47 Spring 2.48 Ausha Hartley Jeff rey Sparks* Britni Martin Tiana Lee* Britni Martin Chris Stewart Michele McCullough Courtney Leuders 1995-96 Fall 2.39 Spring 2.54 Whitney Smith Randy Stewart** Luana Miessa Monika May 1996-97 Fall 2.55 Spring 2.59 William Welch Meredith Norman Dess Meek* CROSS COUNTRY Jordan Williams Alison Oakland** Haleigh Pustka 1997-98 Fall 2.59 Spring 2.59 MEN Kyle Woodall Jenny Pence* Ebonee Stephens Joseph D’Eramo 1998-99 Fall 2.74 Spring 2.62 Curtis Zekkour Kelley Sikinger Jenny Zoch Travis Kocurek William Welch Ashley Simmons 1999-00 Fall 2.59 Spring 2.69 Julius Michael** Jordan Williams Nichole Watkins** VOLLEYBALL Adam Santos 2000-01 Fall 2.66 Spring 2.60 Kyle Woodall Katie Wesneski Kim Black Ray Venegas Curtis Zekkour Anna Ferguson* 2001-02 Fall 2.60 Spring 2.59 Blake Woolums Sarah Hazlewood** TENNIS 2002-03 Fall 2.69 Spring 2.58 MEN’S GOLF Patti Manzur* Angela Hook CROSS COUNTRY John Hurley** Lilit Martirosyan Brittney Humbach 2003-04 Fall 2.63 Spring 2.78 WOMEN Kort O’Leary Irina Sotnikova*# Jamie Kaleh Bridget Costello Beau Willis* Stasa Vujosevic** Courtney Laskowski 2004-05 Fall 2.75 Spring 2.76 Mollly Farrell Kym Loving* 2005-06 Fall 2.76 Spring 2.79 Haleigh Pustka Megan McNamara** Amanda Warren Kelly Moyer 2006-07 Fall 2.90 Spring 2.90 Katie Phillips** *Academic All-Southland Conference selection 2007-08 Fall 2.89 Spring 2.93 **Academic All-Southland honorable mention Haley Thomas # Southland Student-Athlete of the Year Brittanie Wallace** 2008-09 Fall 2.94 Spring 2.91
www.gobearkats.com 39 2008-09 Academic All-Southland Conference Bearkats
Ryan Mooney Josten Crow Barkley Falkner Brittany Brooks Jordan Bowersox Nolan Bucek Jeff Sparks Beau Willis Baseball 2T Basketball 2T Basketball 1T Basketball 2T Football 1T Football 1T Football 1T Golf 1T Business Business Accounting Business Finance Marketing Criminal Justice Finance/Banking 3.35 GPA 3.39 GPA 3.91 GPA 3.30 GPA 3.77 GPA 3.02 GPA 3.13 GPA 3.95 GPA
Brandi Crnkovic Kendra Spivey Jenny Pence Patti Manzur Irina Sotnikova Chris Cralle Dustin Joubert Chris Nelson Softball 2T Softball 2T Soccer 1T Tennis 2T Tennis 1T Track & Field 1T Track & Field 1T Track & Field 1T Kinesiology Biology Kinesiology Psychology Finance Political Science Exercise Physiology Finance 3.25 GPA 3.90 GPA 4.0 GPA 4.00 GPA 3.83 GPA 3.27 GPA 4.00 GPA 3.15 GPA
Bridget Costello Kristi Hermes Tiana Lee Dess Meek Anna Ferguson Kym Loving Track & Field 1T Track & Field 1T Track & Field 1T Track & Field 1T Volleyball 1T Volleyball 2T Education Biology Education Kinesiology Elementary Education Finance 3.67 GPA 3.53 GPA 3.41 GPA 3.17 GPA 3.35 GPA 3.71 GPA
Academic All-Southland Honorable Mention
BASEBALL SOFTBALL Guilluame Duguay Amy Brown Brent Powers Sarah Parich Heath Pugh Whitney Wilson Cody Springer SOCCER WOMEN’S Rheannon Bullock BASKETBALL Debbie Campbell Leasa Ailshie Brittany Foerstner Lydia Gonzales Alison Oakland Nichole Watkins CROSS COUNTRY Julius Michael TENNIS Stasa Vujosevic WOMEN’S GOLF Amanda Carmona WOMEN’S TRACK Wendy Joyner & FIELD Jessica Fisher FOOTBALL Brittany Henson Travis Best More than 90 percent of student-athletes who complete their R. C. Fairchild VOLLEYBALL eligibility as a Bearkat earn their college degree. Jonathan Goree Sarah Hazlewood Derrick Raymer Megan McNamara Randy Stewart Katie Phillips Brittanie Wallace MEN’S GOLF John Hurley
40 www.gobearkats.com Sam Houston Notable Bearkats
DAVID ADICKES ARNOLD A. ALLEMANG KATIE CLARKE JOSEPH “BUD” HANEY PRESTON JOHNSON, JR. LYNNE LIBERATO Designer of Board of Directors Star of Broadway Co-founder Senior Vice President First women president Sam Houston statue member musical Profi les International Center Point Energy, Inc Houston Bar Association Dow Chemical “Light In The Piazza”
RICHARD LINKLATER RON MAFRIGE DAN RATHER DON SANDERS GLENN WILSON WILLIAM DAN WOMACK Movie Director Houston businessman Former Anchor Sanders Morris Group 10 year veteran National Aeronautics and Academy Award Ron Mafrige Enterprises, CBS News Inc Major League Baseball Space Administration Nominee (NASA)
Sam Houston State Undergraduate Degree Programs
Academic Studies Environmental Science Kinesiology Accounting Family and Consumer Sciences Management Agriculture Fashion Merchandising Management Information Systems Agriculture-Agricultural Business Food Science and Nutrition Marketing Agriculture-Agricultural Mechanization Food Service Management Mass Communication Agriculture-Animal Science Interior Design Mathematics Agriculture-Horticulture & Crop Science Finance Music Applied Arts and Sciences Forensic Chemistry Music Therapy Art-Advertising and Graphic Design General Business Administration Music Therapy-Correctional Art-Computer Animation Geography Musical Theatre Art-Photography Geology Philosophy Art-Studio Art Health Photography Banking and Financial Institutions History Physics Biology Human Resource Management Political Science Chemistry Industrial Technology Psychology Computing Science Construction Management Sociology Criminal Justice Design and Development Spanish Dance Electronics Speech Communication Economics Industrial Management Theatre English International Business Victim Studies
www.gobearkats.com 41 First Class Facilities
The athletic facilities at Sam Houston State University rival any in the Southland Conference, giving student- athletes optimal opportunities to succeed in their sport.
FOOTBALL Elliott T. Bowers Stadium
GOLF Raven Nest Golf Course TENNIS McAdams Tennis Center
GOLF Michael McIver Golf Training Center ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION Ron Mafrige Field House
42 www.gobearkats.com BASKETBALL & VOLLEYBALL Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING Ron Randleman Strength & Fitness Center
BASEBALL Don Sanders Stadium
SOCCER Pritchett Field
TRACK & FIELD SOFTBALL Meredith & Miriam York Track Complex Bearkat Softball Complex
www.gobearkats.com 43 Training the Elite Athlete
Kyle Speer
The Bearkat athletic program gets a winning edge from its nationally recognized strength and conditioning program. Kyle Speer and his conditioning program have been honored by American Football Magazine for their part in preparing the more than 350 athletes who compete in 16 sports for Sam Houston State, winners of three Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup All-Sports titles and seven SLC sports championships in the past fi ve years. The 11,000 square foot Ron Randleman Strength and Fitness Center opened in 2006. The center consists of coaches’ offi ces, dressing rooms and a 9,000 square foot area for weights. “The preparation for all championships begins with a great work ethic and commitment in weight training and conditioning,” Sam Houston State football coach Todd Whitten said. “At Sam Houston State, we have state-of-the-art training facilities and an outstanding staff to help us accomplish our goals.”
The Strength and Fitness Center is named for Ron Randleman (right), who compiled a 132-124-3 record as Sam Houston head football coach from 1982 to 2004. The center was made possible by a gift from Houston businessman and Bearkat alum Ron Mafrige (left)
44 www.gobearkats.com Sam Houston Athletic Directory
ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION Tennis Jim Giachino (936) 294-1744 Director of Athletics Bobby Williams (936) 294-4205 [email protected] [email protected] Track & Field David Self (936) 294-3539 Associate Athletic Director Chris Thompson (936) 294-3542 [email protected] Student Services [email protected] Bowling Brad Hagen (936) 294-3350 Associate Athletic Director Bobbie Hilliard (936) 294-1727 [email protected] Finance [email protected] Associate Athletic Director Greg Hinze (936) 294-1725 ASSISTANT COACHES Operations [email protected] Men’s Basketball Jason Hooten (936) 294-1748 Associate Athletic Director David Paitson (936) 294-3443 [email protected] External Operations [email protected] Neil Hardin (936) 294-1743 Administrative Coordinator John Holder (936) 294-2799 [email protected] [email protected] Women’s Basketball Jamene Caldwell (936) 294-3915 NCAA Compliance Curtis Collier (936) 294-4440 [email protected] [email protected] Baseball Jim Blair (936) 294-4653 Assistant Athletic Director Paul Ridings (936) 294-1764 [email protected] Media Relations [email protected] Chris Berry (936) 294-4435 Media Services Jason Barfi eld (936) 294-3533 [email protected] Coordinator jbarfi [email protected] Football James Ferguson (936) 294-1777 Academic Advisor Jessica Payne (936) 294-4459 [email protected] Athletic Associate [email protected] Scott Stoker (936) 294-1732 Marketing Meredith Mullinax (936) 294-4118 [email protected] Athletic Associate [email protected] Duane Dirk (936) 294-1734 Athletic Equipment Jake Watson (936) 294-1735 [email protected] [email protected] Lee Hays (936) 294-1733 Athletic Assistant - Tickets Terry Artherholt (936) 294-1729 [email protected] [email protected] Mike Walton (936) 294-3530 Offi ce Supervisor Denise Holcomb (936) 294-3999 [email protected] [email protected] Ben Beasley (936) 294-3531 Athletics Secretary Karen White (936) 294-4906 [email protected] [email protected] Brandon Jones (936) 294-1164 Athletics Secretary Christine Summers (936) 294-4291 [email protected] [email protected] Soccer Topper Cogan (936) 294-4138 Athletics Secretary Jennifer Davis (936) 294-3286 [email protected] [email protected] Softball Selena Collins (936) 294-1745 Athletics Secretary Judy Webb (936) 294-4291 [email protected] [email protected] Track & Field David Self (936) 294-3355 Custodian James Ross [email protected] Jesse Parker (936) 294-3127 [email protected] HEAD COACHES Men’s Basketball Bob Marlin (936) 294-1747 ATHLETIC TRAINING [email protected] Head Athletic Trainer Hope Parker (936) 294-1710 Women’s Basketball Brenda Nichols (936) 294-1994 [email protected] [email protected] Assistant Athletic Trainer Jeremy Eddings (936) 294-1710 Baseball Mark Johnson (936) 294-1731 [email protected] [email protected] Assistant Athletic Trainer Wes Nowlin (936) 294-1710 Golf Ronnie Choate (936) 294-1051 [email protected] [email protected] Football Todd Whitten (936) 294-1735 STRENGTH & CONDITIONING [email protected] Head Coach Kyle Speer (936) 294-1728 Soccer Tom Brown (936) 294-1244 [email protected] [email protected] Assistant Coach Brian Neal (936) 294-4428 Softball Bob Brock (936) 294-3920 [email protected] [email protected] Volleyball Brenda Gray (936) 294-1736 [email protected] Sam Houston State Media Information NEWSPAPERS RADIO TELEVISION
HUNTSVILLE ITEM - Tom Waddill, Cody Stark KSAM 101.7 FM - Kooter Roberson SHSU Cable 7 - Student television station (936) 295-5407 FAX (936) 435-0135 (Bearkat radio play-by-play) (936) 294-1347 1409 10th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340 (936) 295-2651 Sam Houston State, Huntsville, TX 77341 PO Box 330, Huntsville, TX 77342 THE HOUSTONIAN - Student newspaper KBTX-TV Channel 3 - Darryl Bruff et (936) 294-1502 FAX (936) 294-1504 KSHU-FM 90.5 FM - Student radio station (800) 725-5289 Huntsville, TX 77341 (936) 294-1348 PO Box 3730, Bryan, TX 77801 Sam Houston State Huntsville, TX 77341 HOUSTON CHRONICLE - Joseph Duarte (713) 220-7891 FAX (713) 220-7866 PO Box 4260, Houston, TX 77002
www.gobearkats.com 71